abstract: This thesis examines themodeling, analysis, and control system design issues for scramjet powered hypersonic vehicles. A nonlinear three degrees of freedom longitudinal model which includes aero-propulsion-elasticity effects was used for all analyses. This model is based upon classical compressible flow and Euler-Bernouli structural concepts. Higher fidelity computational fluid dynamics and finite element methods are needed for more precise intermediate and final evaluations. The methods presented within this thesis were shown to be useful for guiding initial control relevant design. The model was used to examine the vehicle's static and dynamic characteristics over the vehicle's trimmable region. The vehicle has significant longitudinal coupling between the fuel equivalency ratio (FER) and the flight path angle (FPA). For control system design, a two-input two-output plant (FER - elevator to speed-FPA) with 11 states (including 3 flexible modes) was used. Velocity, FPA, and pitch were assumed to be available for feedback. Aerodynamic heat modeling and design for the assumed TPS was incorporated to original Bolender's model to study the change in static and dynamic properties. De-centralized control stability, feasibility and limitations issues were dealt with the change in TPS elasticity, mass and physical dimension. The impact of elasticity due to TPS mass, TPS physical dimension as well as prolonged heating was also analyzed to understand performance limitations of de-centralized control designed for nominal model. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Electrical Engineering 2011

Controladores PID são amplamente utilizados no controle de processos industriais. Estes controladores precisam necessariamente ser ajustados adequadamente a fim de garantir a correta operação do processo controlado. A fim de suprir esta necessidade surgiram os chamados métodos de ajuste para controladores PID, inicialmente propostos por John Ziegler e Nathaniel B. Nichols em 1942. Desde então muitos outros métodos de ajuste baseados nas idéias de Ziegler e Nichols foram propostos, surgindo assim uma família de métodos afins. Em vista da simplicidade de implementação e do consequente baixo custo computacional envolvido, estes métodos mostraram-se adequados para serem incorporados ao firmware de controladores PID industriais de baixo custo. Estes métodos acabaram por gerar um legado tal que sua utilização persiste intensamente até os dias de hoje. No entanto, frente à crescente oferta de microcontroladores de baixo custo e alto desempenho, o custo computacional de um método de ajuste vem perdendo relevância. Isso abre margem para explorar outros métodos que proporcionem melhor desempenho e robustez, mas, por ventura, demandem mais recursos computacionais. Dessa forma, este trabalho propõe-se a avaliar métodos alternativos que sejam compatíveis com os recursos computacionais atuais. Métodos com maior custo computacional, como o Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT), Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) e Iterative Correlation-based Tuning (ICbT), são apresentados como candidatos para serem incorporados ao firmware de controladores PID industriais. Tratam-se de métodos diretos de ajuste baseado em dados onde os parâmetros do controlador são determinados de forma que o comportamento do sistema em malha fechada seja tal que minimize um critério de desempenho definido a priori. Através deste critério de desempenho pode-se definir o comportamento desejado para o sistema em malha fechada. Neste trabalho são analisadas as principais características destes métodos, resultados obtidos e custo computacional. Com base nos resultados desta análise é mostrado que os métodos VRFT, IFT e ICbT podem ser utilizados como alternativa para o ajuste (incorporado ao firmware) de controladores PID industriais. / PID controllers are widely used in industrial process control. These controllers must necessarily be properly tuned to ensure the correct operation of the controlled process. In order to meet this need, the so-called tuning methods for PID controllers have emerged, initially proposed by John Ziegler and Nathaniel B. Nichols in 1942. Since then many other controller design methods based on the ideas of Ziegler and Nichols have been proposed, giving rise to a family of related methods. Given the simplicity of implementation and the low computational effort involved, these methods are suitable to be incorporated into the firmware of low cost industrial PID controllers. These methods have generated such a legacy that its use remains intense until the present day. However, with the growing offer of low cost and high performance microcontrollers, the computational effort of a tuning method is becoming less important. This opens up scope for exploring other methods that provide better performance and robustness, possibly at the cost of demanding more computational resources. This study aims to evaluate alternative methods that are compatible with current computational resources. Methods with higher computational effort, such as Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT), Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) and Iterative Correlation based Tuning (ICbT) are presented as candidates to be incorporated into the firmware of industrial PID controllers. These are direct data-based methods for the adjustment of controllers where the parameters are determined such that the behavior of the closed-loop system is such as to minimize a performance criterion defined a priori. Through this performance criterion one can specify the desired behavior for the closed-loop system. This work analyzes the main characteristics of these methods, results and computational effort. Based on the results of this analysis it is shown that the methods VRFT, IFT and ICbT can be used as an alternative to the adjustment (build into the firmware) of industrial PID controllers.

This thesis investigates the use of micro-injection moulding (μIM), as a high-volume process, for producing three-dimensional, integrated microfluidic devices. It started with literature reviews that covered three topics: μIM of thermoplastic microfluidics, designing for three-dimensional (3-D) microfluidics and functional integration in μIM. Research gaps were identified: Designing 3-D microfluidics within the limitations of μIM, process optimisation and the integration of functional elements. A process chain was presented to fabricate a three-dimensional microfluidic device for medical application by μIM. The thesis also investigated the effect of processing conditions on the quality of the replicated component. The design-of-experiments (DOE) approach is used to highlight the significant processing conditions that affect the part mass taking into consideration the change in part geometry. The approach was also used to evaluate the variability within the process and its effect on the replicability of the process. Part flatness was also evaluated with respect to post-filling process parameters. The thesis investigated the possibility of integrating functional elements within μIM to produce microfluidic devices with hybrid structures. The literature reviews highlighted the importance of quality control in high-volume micromoulding and in-line functional integration in microfluidics. A taxonomy of process integration was also developed based on transformation functions. The experimental results showed that μIM can be used to fabricate microfluidic devices that have true three-dimensional structures by subsequent lamination. The DOE results showed a significant effect of individual process variables on the filling quality of the produced components and their flatness. The geometry of the replicated component was shown to have effect on influential parameters. Other variables, on the other hand, were shown to have a possible effect on process variability. Optimization statistical tools were used to improve multiple quality criteria. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) were processed with μIM to produce hybrid structures with functional elements.

Controladores PID são amplamente utilizados no controle de processos industriais. Estes controladores precisam necessariamente ser ajustados adequadamente a fim de garantir a correta operação do processo controlado. A fim de suprir esta necessidade surgiram os chamados métodos de ajuste para controladores PID, inicialmente propostos por John Ziegler e Nathaniel B. Nichols em 1942. Desde então muitos outros métodos de ajuste baseados nas idéias de Ziegler e Nichols foram propostos, surgindo assim uma família de métodos afins. Em vista da simplicidade de implementação e do consequente baixo custo computacional envolvido, estes métodos mostraram-se adequados para serem incorporados ao firmware de controladores PID industriais de baixo custo. Estes métodos acabaram por gerar um legado tal que sua utilização persiste intensamente até os dias de hoje. No entanto, frente à crescente oferta de microcontroladores de baixo custo e alto desempenho, o custo computacional de um método de ajuste vem perdendo relevância. Isso abre margem para explorar outros métodos que proporcionem melhor desempenho e robustez, mas, por ventura, demandem mais recursos computacionais. Dessa forma, este trabalho propõe-se a avaliar métodos alternativos que sejam compatíveis com os recursos computacionais atuais. Métodos com maior custo computacional, como o Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT), Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) e Iterative Correlation-based Tuning (ICbT), são apresentados como candidatos para serem incorporados ao firmware de controladores PID industriais. Tratam-se de métodos diretos de ajuste baseado em dados onde os parâmetros do controlador são determinados de forma que o comportamento do sistema em malha fechada seja tal que minimize um critério de desempenho definido a priori. Através deste critério de desempenho pode-se definir o comportamento desejado para o sistema em malha fechada. Neste trabalho são analisadas as principais características destes métodos, resultados obtidos e custo computacional. Com base nos resultados desta análise é mostrado que os métodos VRFT, IFT e ICbT podem ser utilizados como alternativa para o ajuste (incorporado ao firmware) de controladores PID industriais. / PID controllers are widely used in industrial process control. These controllers must necessarily be properly tuned to ensure the correct operation of the controlled process. In order to meet this need, the so-called tuning methods for PID controllers have emerged, initially proposed by John Ziegler and Nathaniel B. Nichols in 1942. Since then many other controller design methods based on the ideas of Ziegler and Nichols have been proposed, giving rise to a family of related methods. Given the simplicity of implementation and the low computational effort involved, these methods are suitable to be incorporated into the firmware of low cost industrial PID controllers. These methods have generated such a legacy that its use remains intense until the present day. However, with the growing offer of low cost and high performance microcontrollers, the computational effort of a tuning method is becoming less important. This opens up scope for exploring other methods that provide better performance and robustness, possibly at the cost of demanding more computational resources. This study aims to evaluate alternative methods that are compatible with current computational resources. Methods with higher computational effort, such as Virtual Reference Feedback Tuning (VRFT), Iterative Feedback Tuning (IFT) and Iterative Correlation based Tuning (ICbT) are presented as candidates to be incorporated into the firmware of industrial PID controllers. These are direct data-based methods for the adjustment of controllers where the parameters are determined such that the behavior of the closed-loop system is such as to minimize a performance criterion defined a priori. Through this performance criterion one can specify the desired behavior for the closed-loop system. This work analyzes the main characteristics of these methods, results and computational effort. Based on the results of this analysis it is shown that the methods VRFT, IFT and ICbT can be used as an alternative to the adjustment (build into the firmware) of industrial PID controllers.

High efficiency of power converters placed between renewable energy sources and the utility grid is required to maximize the utilization of these sources. Power quality is another aspect that requires large passive elements (inductors, capacitors) to be placed between these sources and the grid. The main objective is to develop higher-level high frequency-based power converter system (HFPCS) that optimizes the use of hybrid renewable power injected into the power grid. The HFPCS provides high efficiency, reduced size of passive components, higher levels of power density realization, lower harmonic distortion, higher reliability, and lower cost. The dynamic modeling for each part in this system is developed, simulated and tested. The steady-state performance of the grid-connected hybrid power system with battery storage is analyzed. Various types of simulations were performed and a number of algorithms were developed and tested to verify the effectiveness of the power conversion topologies. A modified hysteresis-control strategy for the rectifier and the battery charging/discharging system was developed and implemented. A voltage oriented control (VOC) scheme was developed to control the energy injected into the grid. The developed HFPCS was compared experimentally with other currently available power converters. The developed HFPCS was employed inside a microgrid system infrastructure, connecting it to the power grid to verify its power transfer capabilities and grid connectivity. Grid connectivity tests verified these power transfer capabilities of the developed converter in addition to its ability of serving the load in a shared manner. In order to investigate the performance of the developed system, an experimental setup for the HF-based hybrid generation system was constructed. We designed a board containing a digital signal processor chip on which the developed control system was embedded. The board was fabricated and experimentally tested. The system’s high precision requirements were verified. Each component of the system was built and tested separately, and then the whole system was connected and tested. The simulation and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the developed converter system for grid-connected hybrid renewable energy systems as well as for hybrid electric vehicles and other industrial applications.

This master’s thesis deals with the design of installation of floats for the M-4 Irbis airplane and it’s modification in aim to provide water level landing. Part of this thesis is selection of geometry of floats, weight analysis of the modified version and stress analysis of structural elements. The aim was to perform modification on a float plane which will have a minimal impact on the airframe and to meet the requirements of Certification Specification ASTM F2245 and CS-VLA. In conclusion, the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic characteristics including flight performance is determined. Final part is devoted to the design of the rudder for directional control of the floats.

abstract: This dissertation covers three primary topics and relates them in context. High frequency transformer design, microgrid modeling and control, and converter design as it pertains to the other topics are each investigated, establishing a summary of the state-of-the-art at the intersection of the three as a baseline. The culminating work produced by the confluence of these topics is a novel modular solid-state transformer (SST) design, featuring an array of dual active bridge (DAB) converters, each of which contains an optimized high-frequency transformer, and an array of grid-forming inverters (GFI) suitable for centralized control in a microgrid environment. While no hardware was produced for this design, detailed modeling and simulation has been completed, and results are contextualized by rigorous analysis and comparison with results from published literature. The main contributions to each topic are best presented by topic area. For transformers, contributions include collation and presentation of the best-known methods of minimum loss high-frequency transformer design and analysis, descriptions of the implementation of these methods into a unified design script as well as access to an example of such a script, and the derivation and presentation of novel tools for analysis of multi-winding and multi-frequency transformers. For microgrid modeling and control, contributions include the modeling and simulation validation of the GFI and SST designs via state space modeling in a multi-scale simulation framework, as well as demonstration of stable and effective participation of these models in a centralized control scheme under phase imbalance. For converters, the SST design, analysis, and simulation are the primary contributions, though several novel derivations and analysis tools are also presented for the asymmetric half bridge and DAB. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 2019

Liebherr mobile harbor cranes use electrical generators to provide electrical power for load attachment devices such as container spreaders or magnets. Upcoming exhaust and noise emission standards and energy saving considerations lead to a broad diesel engine speed range. The challenging design aspect is to ensure a constant speed of the asynchronous generator by the hydraulic drive system. In addition, electrical load profiles of inductive consumers usually have DT1 system characteristics with very small time constants. They evoke fast torque variations interfacing the hydraulic transmission. Liebherr mobile harbor cranes, see Figure 1, usually have a closed hydraulic circuit containing a hydraulic pump with a high displacement volume that is adjusted electronically in accordance to the current diesel engine speed. Regarding the energy saving aspects, a further minimization of the diesel engine speed leads to a larger pump size with increasing torque losses. Depending on the pressure setting, the volume flows can be reduced in constant pressure grids. Especially in part-load operation this results in better efficiency compared to closed hydraulic circuits by minimizing the displacement volume of hydraulic components. To obtain a stable generator speed, it is essential to adjust the displacement volume of the hydraulic unit for equalizing its input torque with the Figure 1: LHM 800 Group 10 - Mobile Hydraulics | Paper 10-5 199 generator load torque. In interaction with the software-based control architecture, the stability of the electrical frequency depends on the mass inertia of the generator drive and time constants of the embedded hydraulic actuators. The system model, represented by ODEs is established and verified with a hydraulic simulation software. On that basis, the design approach of a PI-state-controller is presented. Corresponding controller gains and state feedback parameters are determined by pole placement techniques. To conclude this investigation a comparison between the hydraulically closed circuit and the constant pressure grid is shown by simulation and measurement data.

No description available.

The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is a powerful tool for studying structure and dynamics at the nanometer scale. Despite its wide application in many applications, the slow imaging rate of AFM remains a severe limitation. Non-raster methods seek to overcome this limitation by appealing to alternative scan patterns, either designed to be easier for the actuators to follow or to reduce the amount of sampling needed. One particular example in this latter category is the local circular scan (LCS). LCS reduces the imaging time by scanning less sample area rather than scanning faster. It drives the tip of the AFM along a circular trajectory, using feedback to center that circle on a sample edge, and moving the circle along the feature, thus concentrating the samples to the region of interest. While this approach can have a significant impact on improving the imaging rate of any AFM, its impact is further enhanced when it is combined with high speed scanners. Due to its unique scanning pattern, a high-speed, Dual-Stage Actuator (DSA) system is a natural fit. DSAs consist of the serial combination of a (relatively) low-speed, long-range piezoelectric actuator (LRA) and a high-speed, short-range piezoelectric actuator (SRA). The SRA can be dedicated to implementing the local circular motion and the LRA to tracking the underlying sample. However, the control of a DSA scanner is challenging for at least three reasons: it is a multi-input, single-output system, it is a highly resonant system due to the underlying piezoelectric actuators, and it is a high-speed system. In this thesis, we address these challenges. First, we establish the controllability and observability of a general N-stage system whose outputs are summed to produce a single signal. This property allows us to develop individual controllers for the LRA and SRA of a DSA system so that we can focus our design on the specific requirements of each component and its desired action. While we apply both a Model Predictive Control (MPC) and simple state feedback approach to the LRA, our primary focus is on the SRA element as its high speed character makes it the more challenging component. Here we turn to receding horizon Linear Quadratic Tracking (LQT) control and develop methods to implement this approach at high speed using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). We develop three variants of LQT that differ in the required sample rates, memory resources, and computing power. Implementing and testing all three in both simulation and on a DSA scanning stage in our lab, we compare their performance and address the practical implementation considerations under the limitations imposed by the hardware. Finally, we combine the control of the LRA and SRA in two axes to demonstrate the LCS scanning approach. Overall, this thesis achieves a practical implementation of a model-based receding LQT design on a dual-stage, high speed, highly resonant actuator system. Through both simulation and experimental results, we demonstrate that this approach is robust to modeling error and disturbances and suitable for high-speed implementation of the LCS approach to non-raster AFM. / 2023-08-29T00:00:00Z